I still ride my regular mtb, but (younger) friends are starting to change over to e-mtbs and I've had a go and now I want one!
As you will have seen they are very expensive compared to a similarly specc'ed non-e, so I will have to wait a while - but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying a bit of t'internet research...

That Giant you linked to looks ok for the money, take a look at Cube too for relative bang-for-buck, & my mate has just bought a pair of Haibikes for himself & his missus and they seem very pleased with them.
But if you can find one, try and get to a demo day and try a few different makes & models in your price range.
Even if you can't do that, you should be able to test-ride a couple from a local store to compare - the specs only count for so much - the fit & feel is still just as important.

Just in case you would want the very best quality, look into Swiss made Flyer. Available in many European countries, not sure about U.K. though. My current one is 3 years old now, 13.000 km, never a problem, just annual maintenance, still like new. A real joy to use, certainly here where almost no road is flat. Uphill assistance is a godsend. Expensive, but I’ve tried many brands, and you get what you pay for. In any case suggest to steer clear of cheap Chinese brands.
Eric

I need to see one an as advised try it (which is not easy I have found). Good luck with your search and lets us know how you get on and what you end up with 2010 XS USW
1957 Series One 88 diesel
1958 Series One 88 4x2

15th Aug 2019 7:40am

Clemmo

Member Since: 03 Aug 2012
Location: Mile Oak
Posts: 788

Myself and other half both bought E-Bikes after renting them on holiday.
We love them...such a joy too be on..

From my research I wouldn't recommend any type of hub motor.
The Crank motors are far superior and "feel" better. The Bosch motors we have are fantastic...and can be mapped to suit your style.

I went Cube as a "known brand" and its been amazing,

As a point of interest I bought a "last years model" which came at a good discount.

Everyone who gets on it to test it wants one!!

Do it!

Clemmo

Click image to enlargeMake today a little better than yesterday but not so good as tomorrow....
Defender 90 HT............Stornaway
Series 2A 1963.............Bronze Green
BMW X3 Msport............Carbon Black
BMW Z4.......................Red

15th Aug 2019 7:59am

Zed

Member Since: 07 Oct 2017
Location: In the woods
Posts: 1796

Funny you should say that. I was taking the out of a mate for having an electric Cube. Then I had a go.

I have had a HiBike with Yamaha engine for 3 years and it is under £2k and excellent and MrsH has a Cube with a Bosch engine which is also very good, also under £2k. Both fit on my Thule rear bike rack; I had to upgrade the rear tailgate struts!

Both take around 2 hours to fully charge up and have a range of about 60 miles.

Go for one with crank driven motor (not rear or front hub), center battery and you will have a better weight ballance.

Clemmo wrote:

Myself and other half both bought E-Bikes after renting them on holiday.
We love them...such a joy too be on..

From my research I wouldn't recommend any type of hub motor.
The Crank motors are far superior and "feel" better. The Bosch motors we have are fantastic...and can be mapped to suit your style.

I went Cube as a "known brand" and its been amazing,

As a point of interest I bought a "last years model" which came at a good discount.

Everyone who gets on it to test it wants one!!

Do it!

Clemmo

Click image to enlarge

I reckon if you change that seat you might get 70 miles out of a charge

15th Aug 2019 8:55am

markb110

Member Since: 22 May 2010
Location: Guildford
Posts: 409

Click image to enlarge

Specialized Kenevo for me. Had now for a year and absolutely love it.

I ride further than I did with my Norco Sight LE, steep climbs off road are really good fun and due to the extra weight it is very planted when descending. Riding now is about the adventure and not about suffering - the added benefit as a Land Rover owner is that on an MTB you are not restricted to Byways.

As my wife has one as well we can actually share rides together. A shared hobby eases the costs LOL.

2019 models are being discounted now. Most important is fit so take your time and ensure the bike shop / brand is well supported. other than that it is a normal bike that will need regular love and attention.

Many bike shops off 0% finance to help spread the cost so if you can go with a good brand with lots of supporting dealers than just cheap or direct to customers bikes where if anything goes wrong you have to pack it up and send it back.

Good luck

ps check out EMTB Forums. lots of good advice and feed back on the key brands.

15th Aug 2019 9:09am

GREENI

Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 9154

As the D2 resident bike 'expert', whatever you buy, I'd strongly recommend buying one from your local shop.

Buying online is fine, but e-bikes of course have increased risks of stuff going wrong. Dealing with your online store can get frustrating and delay things....emailing, posting stuff, waiting for stuff.

I'd say 'contact me for a cheaper price', but with e-bikes we avoid discounting them, as the aftersales service is more complicated and costly, it makes no sense.

Again, go to your local shop, service is the key thing with e-bikes...

Not sure about the current model range, but a couple of years back they did various spec levels, with "better" quality components on the more expensive models.
Our Cubes use the Bosch crank motor and I can't fault them.
Full suspension is good if you are riding off the tarmac, even if you aren't into serious mountain biking. It makes for a very comfortable ride. And the front and back suspension can be partially or fully locked, to reduce travel and prevent your pedalling effort being wasted when on the hard stuff. Neither of us are hardcore mountain bikers, so 120mm of travel on the front forks is more than enough to soak up any bumps on modest trails.

It's worth going for a larger battery pack if in your budget as this will give more range between charges.
At the time the Bosch batteries were either 400 or 500 WH.

I would try a number of makes/models to find one that's a good fit for you. I would also stay clear of the cheaper hub drive type motors.

15th Aug 2019 12:25pm

Sulisuli

Member Since: 30 Oct 2016
Location: South west
Posts: 3319

Caterham wrote:

/\ still like new

why doesn't that surprise me

Being a sewage diver at least I know how deep the 💩 will be at work today.
2015 HT XS 90
2008 SVX 90
2000 XS TD5 90